EP2442211A1 - Computing device with stylus having a deformable elastic fixing device - Google Patents
Computing device with stylus having a deformable elastic fixing device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2442211A1 EP2442211A1 EP11008279A EP11008279A EP2442211A1 EP 2442211 A1 EP2442211 A1 EP 2442211A1 EP 11008279 A EP11008279 A EP 11008279A EP 11008279 A EP11008279 A EP 11008279A EP 2442211 A1 EP2442211 A1 EP 2442211A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- stylus
- elastic material
- elongated shaft
- fixing device
- storage hole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 241001422033 Thestylus Species 0.000 claims abstract description 117
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 60
- 229920000079 Memory foam Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000008210 memory foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 13
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
- G06F2200/16—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/16 - G06F1/18
- G06F2200/163—Indexing scheme relating to constructional details of the computer
- G06F2200/1632—Pen holder integrated in the computer
Definitions
- FIG. 1 A typical handheld computing device 10 that is used with a stylus is illustrated in Figure 1 .
- the computing device includes a base portion 13 and a cover portion 11.
- the cover portion 11 is attached to the base portion 13 via a hinge connection 24.
- the cover portion 10 can be pivoted so that it can close against the base portion 13.
- the computing device includes two display screens 12, 14. One or both of those display screens 12, 14 can be touch sensitive. As a result, it is possible to touch the touch sensitive display screen with a stylus to perform various input operations.
- the handheld computing device 10 also includes a cross switch 16 and various input buttons 18, 20 which are used to perform various input operations.
- two speaker grills 22 are located in the cover portion 11 to allow sound produced by speakers mounted in the cover portion to be emitted towards the user.
- the stylus allows the user to select a relatively small area on the screen with a degree of precision that would not be possible if the user were using a finger.
- FIG. 3 A typical stylus for this purpose is illustrated in Figure 3 .
- the stylus 40 includes an elongated shaft 42 having a tip 44.
- the rear 46 of the stylus includes an engagement portion 47 including a plurality of protrusions 52.
- the engagement portion 47 allows a user to grasp the stylus to remove it from a storage hole in the computing device.
- the computing device can have a storage hole 30 where the stylus can be stored when it is not in use. This allows the stylus to always be co-located with the computing device so that it is always available to the user for performing input operations.
- Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the base portion 13 of the computing device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 .
- the partial cross-sectional view, taken along section line IV-IV in Figure 2 illustrates the stylus 40 partially inserted into the storage hole 30.
- the rear 46 of the stylus 40 includes a protrusion 48, as well as an elongated aperture 50.
- the elongated aperture 50 allows the outer surface of the stylus, upon which the protrusion 48 is mounted, to deform inward towards a central longitudinal axis of the stylus.
- the protrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus will eventually contact a retaining protrusion 17 formed on an interior wall of the storage hole 30.
- the protrusion 48 on the exterior wall of the stylus will deform inward, as allowed by the elongated aperture 50. This allows the protrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus to move past the fixing protrusion 17 on the interior wall of the storage hole 30. Once the protrusion 48 on the stylus has moved past the fixing protrusion 17, the exterior wall of the stylus will resume its original shape.
- the cut-out portion 15 is designed to receive the engagement portion 47 of the stylus. Once the stylus is fully inserted into the insertion hole 30, the engagement portion 47 on the stylus will be fully received in the cut-out portion 15 in the bottom of the base 13 of the computing device.
- the protrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus will be lodged deeper into the storage hole than the fixing protrusion 17 on the inner wall of the storage hole 30. The interference between the fixing protrusion 17 and the protrusion 48 on the stylus will prevent the stylus from falling out of the hole.
- the user can grip the engagement portion 47 with a thumb or finger, and push the stylus back out of the storage hole 30.
- the outer wall of the stylus between the protrusion 48 and the elongated aperture 50 will again deform inward as the protrusion 48 is pulled past the fixing protrusion 17 on the storage hole 30.
- the stylus or the storage hole can become worn or damaged such that it is difficult to securely retain the stylus within the storage hole.
- the fixing protrusion 17 on the interior wall of the storage hole 30 can become damaged or worn down.
- the protrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus could become damaged or worn down. If either of these occur, it may be difficult to retain the stylus in the storage hole.
- FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a handheld computing device that makes use of a stylus
- FIGURE 2 is a side view of the handheld computing device illustrated in FIGURE 1 , with the cover portion partially open;
- FIGURE 3 is a diagram of a stylus that can be used with the handheld computing device illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 ;
- FIGURE 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of a handheld computing device as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 , taken along section line IV-IV in Figure 2 ;
- FIGURES 5A and 5B are elevation and side views, respectively, of a stylus that can be used with a computing device;
- FIGURE 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of the computing device with the stylus illustrated in FIGURES 5A and 5B partially inserted into a storage hole;
- FIGURE 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the computing device with the stylus illustrated in FIGURES 5A AND 5B fully inserted into the storage hole;
- FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a stylus with a two-layer fixing device
- FIGURES 8A and 8B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device
- FIGURES 9A and 9B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device
- FIGURES 10A and 10B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device;
- FIGURES 11A and 11B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; .
- FIGURE 12 is an elevation of another stylus that can be used with a computing device
- FIGURE 13 is a sectional view of the stylus illustrated in FIGURE 12 taken along section line XIII-XIII;
- FIGURES 14A and 14B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device;
- FIGURE 15A is a partial cross-sectional view of another computing device with a stylus partially inserted into a storage hole;
- FIGURE 15B is a partial cross-sectional view of the computing device with a stylus as illustrated in FIGURES 15A , but with the stylus fully inserted into the storage hole;
- FIGURE 16 illustrates a retaining assistance device that could be attached to a stylus of a computing device
- FIGURE 17 illustrates another embodiment of a retaining assistance device that could be attached to a stylus of a computing device
- FIGURE 18 illustrates another embodiment of a retaining assistance device that could be attached to a stylus of a computing device.
- FIGS 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a stylus that can be used with a computing device.
- the stylus 60 includes an elongated shaft 62 with a tip 64.
- the rear of the stylus 60 includes an engagement portion 67 with ridged gripping protrusions 72.
- a deformable elastic fixing device 66 is also formed at the rear of the stylus.
- the fixing device comprises a U-shaped layer of a deformable elastic material.
- Figures 6A and 6B show how the stylus 60 illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B can be inserted into a storage hole 30 of a computing device 90.
- the storage hole 30 includes a fixing protrusion 92 located on an inner wall of the storage hole adjacent the opening of the storage hole.
- the fixing device 66 on the end of the stylus will eventually contact the fixing protrusion 92 in the storage hole 30. Because the fixing device is formed of a deformable elastic material, the fixing device is able to deform as it is pushed past the fixing protrusion 92.
- the fixing device 66 can be formed of any suitable material which is capable of deforming in order to move past a fixing protrusion on a storage hole, and which also is capable of then resuming its original shape to provide an interference fit which prevents the stylus from accidentally being removed from the storage hole.
- Various types of synthetic materials and elastic foam materials maybe suitable for forming the fixing device 66.
- the fixing device 66 could be formed of a memory foam material.
- the storage hole 30 might not include a fixing protrusion.
- the fixing device would have an expanded shape that is larger than the portion of the fixing hole in which it rests when the stylus is fully inserted into the storage hole. Inserting the stylus into the storage hole would cause the fixing device to be partially compressed against the walls of the storage hole, and the friction provided by this compression would act to keep the stylus in place within the storage hole.
- a stylus might include a fixing protrusion 17 as illustrated in Figure 4 , and a corresponding protrusion 48 may be provided on the wall of the storage hole, as also illustrated in Figure 4 .
- the stylus would also include a compressible fixing device 66 like the one illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B .
- the compressible fixing device 66 would be located on the stylus further toward the back end of the stylus than the fixing protrusion 17, so that the compressible fixing device 66 would not contact the corresponding protrusion 48 on the wall of the storage hole.
- a separate fixing protrusion 92 may or may not be provided on the inner wall of the storage hole. If the fixing protrusion 92 is not provided, the expended shape of the compressible fixing device would be larger than the interior diameter of the storage hole. As a result, the friction between the walls of the storage hole and the outer surface of the compressible fixing device, as well as the interference between the fixing protrusion 17 on the stylus and the corresponding protrusion 48 on the wall of the storage hole would both help to retain the stylus in the storage hole.
- a fixing device could also be formed from multiple layers, as illustrated in FIGURE 7 .
- the fixing device extends all the way around the exterior circumference of the elongated shaft 62 of the stylus.
- the fixing device includes a durable outer cover layer 79A, and an elastic material layer 79B positioned between the shaft 62 of the stylus and the cover layer 79A.
- the cover layer 79A could have a relatively low coefficient of friction, to aid the fixing device in sliding past a fixing protrusion in a storage hole.
- the cover layer 79A would help to prevent the elastic material layer 79B from being damaged as the stylus is pushed past a fixing protrusion in a storage hole.
- the fixing device could include a cover layer and two elastic material layers, where each of the elastic material layers has different properties.
- the fixing device can also be located at various different positions along the length of the stylus.
- An alternate embodiment of the stylus is illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B .
- the fixing device 68 in this embodiment is located midway long the elongated shaft 62 of the stylus.
- the fixing device 68 still has a U-shaped structure which extends partway around the exterior circumference of the elongated shaft 62.
- Figures 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a stylus.
- the material forming the fixing device 69 extends all the way around the exterior circumference of the shaft 62.
- the leading and trailing edges of the band of material forming the fixing device 69 taper down toward the exterior surface of the elongated shaft 62. Forming the leading and trailing edges as tapered surfaces, as shown in Figure 9 , can help to ease the insertion and removal of the stylus from the storage hole within a computing device.
- first fixing device 66 is formed at the rear of the stylus
- second fixing device 71 is located midway along the length of the elongated shaft 62.
- the first fixing device 62 is a U-shaped band of material, similar to the one illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B .
- the second fixing device 71 is a band of material which extends all the way around the exterior circumference of the elongated shaft 62. In this embodiment, the second fixing device 71 does not have tapered leading and trailing edges.
- Figures 11A and 11B show another embodiment of a stylus.
- the fixing device 73 is formed as a wide band of elastic material that extends all the way around the circumference of the elongated shaft 62 adjacent the tip of the stylus.
- the fixing device 73 could serve a dual purpose as both the fixing mechanism for preventing the stylus from being accidentally removed from a storage hole and also as the portion of the stylus which is to be gripped by a user.
- the fixing device 73 is mounted on the stylus at a location where a user would grasp the stylus, the diameter of the portion of the stylus that will be gripped by the user increases, making the stylus feel similar to a typical writing instrument. Thus, locating the fixing device 73 where a user would grip the shaft of the stylus, as illustrated in FIGURE 11A , could help in make the stylus feel more natural to users.
- Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a stylus.
- a plurality of elongated strips of elastic material 74 form the fixing device.
- the elongated strips of material are attached to the exterior of the elongated shaft 62, and the strips extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stylus.
- Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line XIII-XIII in Figure 12 .
- the strips of elastic material 74 extend outward from the shaft 62 of the stylus at locations spaced 90° apart from each other. In alternate embodiments, different numbers of strips of elastic material could also be attached to the exterior of the shaft 62. In some embodiments, the strips of material 74 would be spaced symmetrically around the circumference of the shaft 62. As a result, when the stylus is inserted into a storage hole, the stylus would be substantially centered in the insertion hole by the strips of material 74.
- FIGS 14A and 14B illustrate another embodiment of a stylus.
- a single elongated strip of elastic material forms the fixing device 76.
- the single elongated strip 76 could be designed to interfere with a fixing protrusion on an interior surface of a storage hole which extends only partway or all the way around the interior circumference of the storage hole.
- the engagement portion 67 of the stylus can also act to ensure that the stylus can only be inserted into the storage hole in a single rotational orientation.
- the engagement portion 67 would be inserted into a cut out slot at a defined location on the storage hole, as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B .
- the fixing protrusion formed on the interior surface of the storage hole need only be located at a location where it will interfere with the elongated strip 76 on the exterior of the elongated shaft 62.
- the cut out slot for receiving the engagement portion would be located 180° apart from the fixing protrusion that will engage the elongated strip 76.
- the elastic material was mounted on the stylus, and the compressible elastic material would interact with the interior walls of the storage hole, or with a protrusion on the interior walls of the storage hole.
- the compressible elastic material could instead be located on the interior wall of the storage hole.
- Figure 15A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a computing device having a storage hole 30.
- a stylus is partially inserted into the storage hole.
- a strip of compressible elastic material 166 is mounted on the interior wall of the storage hole 30.
- a solid protrusion 192 is located on the shaft 62 of the stylus.
- the solid protrusion 192 on the shaft of the stylus will ultimately come into contact with the elastic material 166 on the wall of the storage hole.
- the elastic material 166 will deform to accommodate the passage of the solid protrusion 192.
- the solid protrusion 192 on the shaft of the stylus will be deeper in the storage hole than the location of the elastic material 166.
- the elastic material 166 will expand outward again. And the interference between the elastic material 166 and the solid protrusion 192 will act to keep the stylus in the storage hole 30.
- the elastic material 166 on the sidewall of the storage hole could be located at different locations within the storage hole.
- the elastic material could have different forms.
- the elastic material 166 would form a concentric ring around the interior of the storage hole.
- the elastic material 166 would be formed as strips of material that expend in the longitudinal direction of the storage hole.
- the elastic material 166 could take any form that helps to ensure that the stylus is retained in the storage hole.
- the stylus may not include any corresponding solid protrusion.
- the elastic material may be configured such that when the elastic material is fully expanded, the available free space inside the elastic material and the walls of the storage hole is smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the stylus.
- Figures 16-18 illustrate various different retaining assistance devices that could be attached to an existing stylus to help the stylus remain inside a storage hole of a computing device.
- the retaining assistance device would be formed of an elastic material.
- the retaining assistance device would be attached to the exterior of an existing stylus.
- the retaining assistance device 166 illustrated in Figure 16 has a shape similar to the compressible fixing device 66 in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B described above.
- the retaining assistance device 167 illustrated in Figure 17 has a shape similar to the compressible fixing device 71 illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B described above.
- the retaining assistance device illustrated in Figure 18 has a shape similar to the compressible fixing device 69 illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B described above.
- the middle portion 268B has a larger diameter than the ends 268A.
- the retaining assistance device would have a size and shape that results in the compressible elastic material being compressed when the stylus is inserted into the storage hole of the computing device. As a result, friction between the elastic material and the interior walls of the storage hole would help to retain the stylus in the storage hole.
- a layer of adhesive may be applied to the interior surface of the retaining assistance device that will contact the shaft of the stylus.
- This adhesive may be covered by a release sheet. This would allow the user to remove the release sheet and then attach the retaining assistance device to the shaft of the stylus.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Pencils And Projecting And Retracting Systems Therefor, And Multi-System Writing Instruments (AREA)
- Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The technology is related to computing devices which make use of a handheld stylus for performing various different input operations. A typical
handheld computing device 10 that is used with a stylus is illustrated inFigure 1 . As shown inFigure 1 , the computing device includes abase portion 13 and acover portion 11. Thecover portion 11 is attached to thebase portion 13 via ahinge connection 24. As shown inFigure 2 , thecover portion 10 can be pivoted so that it can close against thebase portion 13. - The computing device includes two
display screens display screens - The
handheld computing device 10 also includes across switch 16 andvarious input buttons speaker grills 22 are located in thecover portion 11 to allow sound produced by speakers mounted in the cover portion to be emitted towards the user. - It is common to use a stylus to perform input operations with such a touch sensitive screen. The stylus allows the user to select a relatively small area on the screen with a degree of precision that would not be possible if the user were using a finger.
- A typical stylus for this purpose is illustrated in
Figure 3 . As shown inFigure 3 , thestylus 40 includes anelongated shaft 42 having atip 44. The rear 46 of the stylus includes anengagement portion 47 including a plurality ofprotrusions 52. As will be explained in greater detail below, theengagement portion 47 allows a user to grasp the stylus to remove it from a storage hole in the computing device. - As illustrated in
Figure 2 , the computing device can have astorage hole 30 where the stylus can be stored when it is not in use. This allows the stylus to always be co-located with the computing device so that it is always available to the user for performing input operations. -
Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of thebase portion 13 of the computing device illustrated inFigures 1 and 2 . The partial cross-sectional view, taken along section line IV-IV inFigure 2 , illustrates thestylus 40 partially inserted into thestorage hole 30. - As shown in
Figure 3 , the rear 46 of thestylus 40 includes aprotrusion 48, as well as anelongated aperture 50. Theelongated aperture 50 allows the outer surface of the stylus, upon which theprotrusion 48 is mounted, to deform inward towards a central longitudinal axis of the stylus. - As shown in
Figure 4 , as thestylus 40 is inserted into thestorage hole 30, theprotrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus will eventually contact aretaining protrusion 17 formed on an interior wall of thestorage hole 30. As the stylus is pushed further into thestorage hole 30, theprotrusion 48 on the exterior wall of the stylus will deform inward, as allowed by theelongated aperture 50. This allows theprotrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus to move past thefixing protrusion 17 on the interior wall of thestorage hole 30. Once theprotrusion 48 on the stylus has moved past thefixing protrusion 17, the exterior wall of the stylus will resume its original shape. - Note that there is a cut-out
portion 15 on the bottom of thebase portion 13 of the computing device. The cut-outportion 15 is designed to receive theengagement portion 47 of the stylus. Once the stylus is fully inserted into theinsertion hole 30, theengagement portion 47 on the stylus will be fully received in the cut-outportion 15 in the bottom of thebase 13 of the computing device. In addition, theprotrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus will be lodged deeper into the storage hole than thefixing protrusion 17 on the inner wall of thestorage hole 30. The interference between thefixing protrusion 17 and theprotrusion 48 on the stylus will prevent the stylus from falling out of the hole. - When a user wishes to remove the stylus from the
storage hole 30, the user can grip theengagement portion 47 with a thumb or finger, and push the stylus back out of thestorage hole 30. When the stylus is being removed from the storage hole, the outer wall of the stylus between theprotrusion 48 and theelongated aperture 50 will again deform inward as theprotrusion 48 is pulled past thefixing protrusion 17 on thestorage hole 30. - While the above described mechanism for holding the stylus in the storage hole is generally acceptable, after an extended period of use, the stylus or the storage hole can become worn or damaged such that it is difficult to securely retain the stylus within the storage hole. For instance, the
fixing protrusion 17 on the interior wall of thestorage hole 30 can become damaged or worn down. Likewise, theprotrusion 48 on the exterior of the stylus could become damaged or worn down. If either of these occur, it may be difficult to retain the stylus in the storage hole. -
FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a handheld computing device that makes use of a stylus; -
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the handheld computing device illustrated inFIGURE 1 , with the cover portion partially open; -
FIGURE 3 is a diagram of a stylus that can be used with the handheld computing device illustrated inFIGURES 1 and 2 ; -
FIGURE 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of a handheld computing device as illustrated inFIGURES 1 and 2 , taken along section line IV-IV inFigure 2 ; -
FIGURES 5A and 5B are elevation and side views, respectively, of a stylus that can be used with a computing device; -
FIGURE 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of the computing device with the stylus illustrated inFIGURES 5A and 5B partially inserted into a storage hole; -
FIGURE 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the computing device with the stylus illustrated inFIGURES 5A AND 5B fully inserted into the storage hole; -
FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a stylus with a two-layer fixing device; -
FIGURES 8A and 8B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; -
FIGURES 9A and 9B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; -
FIGURES 10A and 10B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; -
FIGURES 11A and 11B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; . -
FIGURE 12 is an elevation of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; -
FIGURE 13 is a sectional view of the stylus illustrated inFIGURE 12 taken along section line XIII-XIII; -
FIGURES 14A and 14B are elevation and side views, respectively, of another stylus that can be used with a computing device; -
FIGURE 15A is a partial cross-sectional view of another computing device with a stylus partially inserted into a storage hole; -
FIGURE 15B is a partial cross-sectional view of the computing device with a stylus as illustrated inFIGURES 15A , but with the stylus fully inserted into the storage hole; -
FIGURE 16 illustrates a retaining assistance device that could be attached to a stylus of a computing device; -
FIGURE 17 illustrates another embodiment of a retaining assistance device that could be attached to a stylus of a computing device; -
FIGURE 18 illustrates another embodiment of a retaining assistance device that could be attached to a stylus of a computing device. -
Figures 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a stylus that can be used with a computing device. Thestylus 60 includes anelongated shaft 62 with atip 64. The rear of thestylus 60 includes anengagement portion 67 withridged gripping protrusions 72. In addition, a deformableelastic fixing device 66 is also formed at the rear of the stylus. The fixing device comprises a U-shaped layer of a deformable elastic material. -
Figures 6A and 6B show how thestylus 60 illustrated inFigures 5A and 5B can be inserted into astorage hole 30 of acomputing device 90. Thestorage hole 30 includes a fixingprotrusion 92 located on an inner wall of the storage hole adjacent the opening of the storage hole. As shown inFigures 6A and 6B , as thestylus 60 is inserted into the storage hole, the fixingdevice 66 on the end of the stylus will eventually contact the fixingprotrusion 92 in thestorage hole 30. Because the fixing device is formed of a deformable elastic material, the fixing device is able to deform as it is pushed past the fixingprotrusion 92. Once the stylus has been fully inserted into the storage hole, as illustrated inFigure 6B , the material of the fixing device will expand outward again to resume its original shape, as illustrated inFigure 6B . At this point, interference between the material of the fixingdevice 66 and the fixingprotrusion 92 will prevent the stylus from accidentally falling out of thestorage hole 30. - The fixing
device 66 can be formed of any suitable material which is capable of deforming in order to move past a fixing protrusion on a storage hole, and which also is capable of then resuming its original shape to provide an interference fit which prevents the stylus from accidentally being removed from the storage hole. Various types of synthetic materials and elastic foam materials maybe suitable for forming the fixingdevice 66. For instance, the fixingdevice 66 could be formed of a memory foam material. - In some embodiments, the
storage hole 30 might not include a fixing protrusion. In these embodiments, the fixing device would have an expanded shape that is larger than the portion of the fixing hole in which it rests when the stylus is fully inserted into the storage hole. Inserting the stylus into the storage hole would cause the fixing device to be partially compressed against the walls of the storage hole, and the friction provided by this compression would act to keep the stylus in place within the storage hole. - Also, in some embodiments, a stylus might include a fixing
protrusion 17 as illustrated inFigure 4 , and a correspondingprotrusion 48 may be provided on the wall of the storage hole, as also illustrated inFigure 4 . However, the stylus would also include acompressible fixing device 66 like the one illustrated inFigures 5A and 5B . Thecompressible fixing device 66 would be located on the stylus further toward the back end of the stylus than the fixingprotrusion 17, so that thecompressible fixing device 66 would not contact the correspondingprotrusion 48 on the wall of the storage hole. - In this type of an embodiment, a
separate fixing protrusion 92 may or may not be provided on the inner wall of the storage hole. If the fixingprotrusion 92 is not provided, the expended shape of the compressible fixing device would be larger than the interior diameter of the storage hole. As a result, the friction between the walls of the storage hole and the outer surface of the compressible fixing device, as well as the interference between the fixingprotrusion 17 on the stylus and the correspondingprotrusion 48 on the wall of the storage hole would both help to retain the stylus in the storage hole. - A fixing device could also be formed from multiple layers, as illustrated in
FIGURE 7 . In this embodiment, the fixing device extends all the way around the exterior circumference of theelongated shaft 62 of the stylus. The fixing device includes a durableouter cover layer 79A, and anelastic material layer 79B positioned between theshaft 62 of the stylus and thecover layer 79A. Thecover layer 79A could have a relatively low coefficient of friction, to aid the fixing device in sliding past a fixing protrusion in a storage hole. Thecover layer 79A would help to prevent theelastic material layer 79B from being damaged as the stylus is pushed past a fixing protrusion in a storage hole. - In alternate embodiments, more than two layers could be used to form a fixing device. For instance, the fixing device could include a cover layer and two elastic material layers, where each of the elastic material layers has different properties.
- The fixing device can also be located at various different positions along the length of the stylus. An alternate embodiment of the stylus is illustrated in
Figures 8A and 8B . As shown therein, the fixingdevice 68 in this embodiment is located midway long theelongated shaft 62 of the stylus. In this embodiment, the fixingdevice 68 still has a U-shaped structure which extends partway around the exterior circumference of theelongated shaft 62. -
Figures 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a stylus. In this embodiment, the material forming the fixingdevice 69 extends all the way around the exterior circumference of theshaft 62. In addition, the leading and trailing edges of the band of material forming the fixingdevice 69 taper down toward the exterior surface of theelongated shaft 62. Forming the leading and trailing edges as tapered surfaces, as shown inFigure 9 , can help to ease the insertion and removal of the stylus from the storage hole within a computing device. - In the embodiment illustrated in
Figures 10A and 10B , two separate fixing devices are located along the length of theelongated shaft 62. Afirst fixing device 66 is formed at the rear of the stylus, and asecond fixing device 71 is located midway along the length of theelongated shaft 62. In this embodiment, thefirst fixing device 62 is a U-shaped band of material, similar to the one illustrated inFigures 5A and 5B . However, thesecond fixing device 71 is a band of material which extends all the way around the exterior circumference of theelongated shaft 62. In this embodiment, thesecond fixing device 71 does not have tapered leading and trailing edges. -
Figures 11A and 11B show another embodiment of a stylus. In this embodiment, the fixingdevice 73 is formed as a wide band of elastic material that extends all the way around the circumference of theelongated shaft 62 adjacent the tip of the stylus. In this embodiment, the fixingdevice 73 could serve a dual purpose as both the fixing mechanism for preventing the stylus from being accidentally removed from a storage hole and also as the portion of the stylus which is to be gripped by a user. - Many of the stylus devices used with portable computing devices are quite thin. They are made thin to minimize the size of the storage hole that must be located on the computing device. However, this generally results in the stylus being thinner than a typical writing instrument. And as a result, many users find a thin stylus to be more awkward than a typical writing instrument.
- If the fixing
device 73 is mounted on the stylus at a location where a user would grasp the stylus, the diameter of the portion of the stylus that will be gripped by the user increases, making the stylus feel similar to a typical writing instrument. Thus, locating the fixingdevice 73 where a user would grip the shaft of the stylus, as illustrated inFIGURE 11A , could help in make the stylus feel more natural to users. -
Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a stylus. In this embodiment, a plurality of elongated strips ofelastic material 74 form the fixing device. The elongated strips of material are attached to the exterior of theelongated shaft 62, and the strips extend in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stylus. -
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line XIII-XIII inFigure 12 . As shown inFigure 13 , the strips ofelastic material 74 extend outward from theshaft 62 of the stylus at locations spaced 90° apart from each other. In alternate embodiments, different numbers of strips of elastic material could also be attached to the exterior of theshaft 62. In some embodiments, the strips ofmaterial 74 would be spaced symmetrically around the circumference of theshaft 62. As a result, when the stylus is inserted into a storage hole, the stylus would be substantially centered in the insertion hole by the strips ofmaterial 74. -
Figures 14A and 14B illustrate another embodiment of a stylus. In this embodiment, a single elongated strip of elastic material forms the fixingdevice 76. The singleelongated strip 76 could be designed to interfere with a fixing protrusion on an interior surface of a storage hole which extends only partway or all the way around the interior circumference of the storage hole. - In some embodiments, the
engagement portion 67 of the stylus can also act to ensure that the stylus can only be inserted into the storage hole in a single rotational orientation. Theengagement portion 67 would be inserted into a cut out slot at a defined location on the storage hole, as illustrated inFigures 6A and 6B . With this type of arrangement, the fixing protrusion formed on the interior surface of the storage hole need only be located at a location where it will interfere with theelongated strip 76 on the exterior of theelongated shaft 62. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGURES 11A and 11B , the cut out slot for receiving the engagement portion would be located 180° apart from the fixing protrusion that will engage theelongated strip 76. - In the embodiments described above, the elastic material was mounted on the stylus, and the compressible elastic material would interact with the interior walls of the storage hole, or with a protrusion on the interior walls of the storage hole. In alternate embodiments, the compressible elastic material could instead be located on the interior wall of the storage hole.
-
Figure 15A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a computing device having astorage hole 30. A stylus is partially inserted into the storage hole. In this embodiment, a strip of compressibleelastic material 166 is mounted on the interior wall of thestorage hole 30. In addition, asolid protrusion 192 is located on theshaft 62 of the stylus. - When the stylus is inserted into the storage hole, the
solid protrusion 192 on the shaft of the stylus will ultimately come into contact with theelastic material 166 on the wall of the storage hole. As the stylus is pushed further into the storage hole, theelastic material 166 will deform to accommodate the passage of thesolid protrusion 192. Once the stylus is fully inserted into the storage hole, as illustrated inFigure 15B , thesolid protrusion 192 on the shaft of the stylus will be deeper in the storage hole than the location of theelastic material 166. Theelastic material 166 will expand outward again. And the interference between theelastic material 166 and thesolid protrusion 192 will act to keep the stylus in thestorage hole 30. - In still other alternate embodiments, the
elastic material 166 on the sidewall of the storage hole could be located at different locations within the storage hole. Likewise, the elastic material could have different forms. Theelastic material 166 would form a concentric ring around the interior of the storage hole. Or theelastic material 166 would be formed as strips of material that expend in the longitudinal direction of the storage hole. Theelastic material 166 could take any form that helps to ensure that the stylus is retained in the storage hole. - Also, in some embodiments where an elastic material is located on an interior wall of the storage hole, the stylus may not include any corresponding solid protrusion. Instead, the elastic material may be configured such that when the elastic material is fully expanded, the available free space inside the elastic material and the walls of the storage hole is smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the stylus. Thus, whenever the stylus is inserted into the storage hole, the elastic material will be compressed, and friction between the elastic material and the shaft of the stylus will act to retain the stylus in the storage hole.
-
Figures 16-18 illustrate various different retaining assistance devices that could be attached to an existing stylus to help the stylus remain inside a storage hole of a computing device. In each case, the retaining assistance device would be formed of an elastic material. And the retaining assistance device would be attached to the exterior of an existing stylus. - The retaining
assistance device 166 illustrated inFigure 16 has a shape similar to thecompressible fixing device 66 in the embodiment illustrated inFigures 5A and 5B described above. - The retaining assistance device 167 illustrated in
Figure 17 has a shape similar to thecompressible fixing device 71 illustrated inFigures 10A and 10B described above. - The retaining assistance device illustrated in
Figure 18 has a shape similar to thecompressible fixing device 69 illustrated inFigures 9A and 9B described above. In this embodiment, themiddle portion 268B has a larger diameter than theends 268A. - In each case, the retaining assistance device would have a size and shape that results in the compressible elastic material being compressed when the stylus is inserted into the storage hole of the computing device. As a result, friction between the elastic material and the interior walls of the storage hole would help to retain the stylus in the storage hole.
- In the embodiments illustrated in
Figures 16-18 , a layer of adhesive may be applied to the interior surface of the retaining assistance device that will contact the shaft of the stylus. This adhesive may be covered by a release sheet. This would allow the user to remove the release sheet and then attach the retaining assistance device to the shaft of the stylus. - The sizes and shapes of the retaining assistance devices illustrated in
Figures 16-18 are only examples. Different embodiments of the retaining assistance devices could have different shapes and sizes. - While the technology has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- A stylus for use with a computing device, comprising:an elongated shaft;a tip at a first end of the elongated shaft; anda fixing device mounted on an exterior of the elongated shaft such that the fixing device protrudes outward from the elongated shaft, wherein the fixing device comprises a deformable elastic material.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device is configured such that when the stylus is inserted into a storage hole in a computing device, the elastic material of the fixing device can deform inward toward a longitudinal axis of the shaft as the fixing device is pushed past a protrusion on an inner surface of the storage hole, and such that once the fixing device has been pushed past the protrusion, the elastic material will expand outward again.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises:an elastic material layer mounted on an exterior of the elongated shaft; anda cover mounted over the elastic material layer, wherein the cover has a lower coefficient of friction than the elastic material layer.
- The stylus of claim 3, wherein the elastic material layer comprises a memory foam.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises a band of elastic material that forms a circumferential ring around an exterior of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises a U-shaped band of elastic material that extends partway around the exterior circumference of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 6, further comprises an orientation mechanism that ensures that the stylus can only be inserted into a storage hole of a computing device in a single rotational orientation.
- The stylus of claim 1, further comprising an orientation mechanism that ensures that the stylus can be inserted into a storage hole of a computing device in a limited number of rotational orientations.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises:a first section of deformable elastic material mounted on a first portion of the elongated shaft; anda second section of deformable elastic material mounted on a second portion of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 9, wherein the first section of deformable elastic material comprises a band of elastic material that forms a circumferential ring around an exterior of the elongated shaft, and wherein the second section of deformable elastic material comprises a U-shaped band of elastic material that extends partway around the exterior circumference of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 9, wherein the first section of deformable elastic material comprises a band of elastic material that forms a circumferential ring around an exterior of the elongated shaft, and wherein the second section of deformable elastic material comprises a thin strip of elastic material that extends along the exterior of the elongated shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises at least one thin strip of elastic material that extends along the exterior of the elongated shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 12, wherein the ends of the at least one thin strip of elastic material taper inward toward the exterior surface of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises a plurality of thin strips of elastic material that extend along the exterior of the elongated shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, wherein the plurality of thin strips of elastic material are arranged symmetrically around the exterior circumference of the elongated shaft.
- The stylus of claim 14, wherein the ends of the plurality of thin strips of elastic material taper inward toward the exterior surface of the elongated shaft.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/906,330 US9354724B2 (en) | 2010-10-18 | 2010-10-18 | Computing device with stylus having a deformable elastic fixing device |
Publications (4)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2442211A1 true EP2442211A1 (en) | 2012-04-18 |
EP2442211B1 EP2442211B1 (en) | 2014-04-16 |
EP2442211B8 EP2442211B8 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
EP2442211B2 EP2442211B2 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
Family
ID=44903038
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11008279.9A Active EP2442211B2 (en) | 2010-10-18 | 2011-10-13 | Computing device with stylus having a deformable elastic fixing device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9354724B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2442211B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5290378B2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2478967T5 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR20170033633A (en) * | 2015-09-17 | 2017-03-27 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Pen and electronic device therewith |
AU2016100745B4 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2019-02-21 | Stm Management Pty Ltd | A case for a tablet shaped device and a method for making a case for a tablet shaped device. |
US10551659B2 (en) * | 2016-09-16 | 2020-02-04 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Touch sensing apparatus with dual touch sensors |
US10209550B2 (en) | 2016-10-09 | 2019-02-19 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Securing a touch sensor assembly for a touch button |
USD854546S1 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2019-07-23 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Device cover |
USD908128S1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2021-01-19 | STM Management Pty Ltd. | Tablet computer case |
AU2019100104B4 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-12-10 | Stm Management Pty Ltd | A case for a tablet shaped device |
USD908129S1 (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2021-01-19 | STM Management Pty Ltd. | Tablet computer case |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB191022077A (en) * | 1910-09-23 | 1911-05-25 | Henry George Read | Improvements in Fountain Pens. |
US6388870B1 (en) * | 1999-02-04 | 2002-05-14 | Palm, Inc. | Housing for a handheld computer |
US20050168500A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-04 | Lee Wei L. | Electronic device with retractable stylus |
WO2007037758A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Olympus Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd | Stylus retention for an industrial portable electronic device |
WO2010037569A1 (en) * | 2008-10-03 | 2010-04-08 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Ergonomic stylus pen and reservoir therefore |
Family Cites Families (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3787889A (en) † | 1973-02-05 | 1974-01-22 | Muirhead Inc | Facsimile recorder with guided styli |
JP3077378B2 (en) | 1992-04-09 | 2000-08-14 | ソニー株式会社 | Input pen storage mechanism for tablet input device |
US5530208A (en) | 1992-10-20 | 1996-06-25 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Pen computer pen gripping mechanism |
JPH07168661A (en) * | 1993-12-15 | 1995-07-04 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Cover for pen |
JP3323693B2 (en) * | 1995-05-15 | 2002-09-09 | 株式会社リコー | Pen input information device |
JPH09204265A (en) * | 1996-01-23 | 1997-08-05 | Sanshu Kogyo Kk | Touch pen with o-ring |
JPH1055236A (en) * | 1996-08-09 | 1998-02-24 | Pilot Precision Co Ltd | Pen input information processor |
JPH10157373A (en) * | 1996-12-03 | 1998-06-16 | Pilot Ink Co Ltd | Ball-point pen |
KR100281539B1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2001-03-02 | 윤종용 | Portable computer with structure for mounting stylus |
JP2000151240A (en) | 1998-11-11 | 2000-05-30 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Antenna holding device |
US6532148B2 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2003-03-11 | Palm, Inc. | Mechanism for attaching accessory devices to handheld computers |
US6356443B2 (en) | 1999-11-30 | 2002-03-12 | Palm, Inc. | Handheld computer configured for attachment with an external device |
US6646635B2 (en) † | 2001-01-19 | 2003-11-11 | 3Com Corporation | Stylus apparatus and method for transmitting light |
US20030051316A1 (en) * | 2001-08-13 | 2003-03-20 | Willat Boyd I. | Deformable grip for a writing implement |
US6972754B2 (en) † | 2002-06-27 | 2005-12-06 | Topaz Systems, Inc. | Touchpad stylus having isolated low-mass contact element |
TW587804U (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2004-05-11 | Quanta Comp Inc | Fix structure of stylus in mobile computer |
US7138977B2 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2006-11-21 | Motorola, Inc. | Proportional force input apparatus for an electronic device |
US6819557B2 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2004-11-16 | David Michael Lilenfeld | Ergonomic stylus storable in the pen slot of a personal digital assistant |
US6695512B1 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2004-02-24 | Chad C. Sutherland | Writing implement with movable sleeve |
US7046236B2 (en) | 2003-05-22 | 2006-05-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Stylus for portable computing and processing systems |
US7226229B1 (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2007-06-05 | Register Dana S | Self-retractable pen |
CN101373411B (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2010-09-29 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Telescopic writing pencil and portable electronic device with the same |
JP4831696B2 (en) * | 2007-11-14 | 2011-12-07 | 三菱鉛筆株式会社 | Writing instrument |
CN101727215A (en) † | 2008-10-30 | 2010-06-09 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Stylus and electronic device with same |
CN101739154A (en) * | 2008-11-19 | 2010-06-16 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Portable electronic device and touch control pen thereof |
-
2010
- 2010-10-18 US US12/906,330 patent/US9354724B2/en active Active
-
2011
- 2011-10-13 EP EP11008279.9A patent/EP2442211B2/en active Active
- 2011-10-13 ES ES11008279.9T patent/ES2478967T5/en active Active
- 2011-10-14 JP JP2011226325A patent/JP5290378B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB191022077A (en) * | 1910-09-23 | 1911-05-25 | Henry George Read | Improvements in Fountain Pens. |
US6388870B1 (en) * | 1999-02-04 | 2002-05-14 | Palm, Inc. | Housing for a handheld computer |
US20050168500A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-04 | Lee Wei L. | Electronic device with retractable stylus |
WO2007037758A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Olympus Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd | Stylus retention for an industrial portable electronic device |
WO2010037569A1 (en) * | 2008-10-03 | 2010-04-08 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Ergonomic stylus pen and reservoir therefore |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP5290378B2 (en) | 2013-09-18 |
JP2012089130A (en) | 2012-05-10 |
US20120092303A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
US9354724B2 (en) | 2016-05-31 |
ES2478967T3 (en) | 2014-07-23 |
EP2442211B1 (en) | 2014-04-16 |
EP2442211B8 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
EP2442211B2 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
ES2478967T5 (en) | 2018-03-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2442211B2 (en) | Computing device with stylus having a deformable elastic fixing device | |
US10905211B2 (en) | Case for a tablet shaped computer | |
US6433777B1 (en) | Apparatus for extending a cursor control stick | |
US20220094384A1 (en) | Case for a tablet shaped device | |
US20110102979A1 (en) | Electronic device including pop-out stylus | |
JP5999533B2 (en) | Portable electronic terminal holder | |
JP2009089435A (en) | Folding type cellular phone | |
JP5850352B1 (en) | Finger wearing writing instrument and writing instrument finger holder | |
JP2004159683A (en) | Storage case for folding type cellular phone | |
JP7173685B2 (en) | pen holder unit | |
KR101947027B1 (en) | Stylus having a function of changing its thickness and length | |
JP3221823U (en) | Mobile electronic terminal holder | |
US20220083097A1 (en) | Device accessories with attachment slots | |
JP2020174356A (en) | Mobile electronic terminal holder | |
US20120186314A1 (en) | Keychain reminder device | |
KR20110016621A (en) | Touch pen easy to grip by a hand | |
KR20200075702A (en) | Structure for storing pen-like instruments | |
KR200328330Y1 (en) | stylus pen | |
KR101508771B1 (en) | Which prevents the release Tablet PC | |
US20080008518A1 (en) | Accessory for a writing utensil | |
US20090060626A1 (en) | Writing instrument adapted to dispense note paper | |
JP2009137301A (en) | Page turning device | |
KR101947029B1 (en) | Stylus having a function of changing its thickness and length | |
KR20080107011A (en) | Touch pen | |
JP3211648U (en) | Touch pen that doubles as a stand |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20121018 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20130205 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: G06F0003033000 Ipc: G06F0003035400 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: G06F 3/0354 20130101AFI20130529BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20131115 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
RAP2 | Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred) |
Owner name: NINTENDO CO., LTD. |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 662916 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20140515 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20140605 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2478967 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 Effective date: 20140723 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 662916 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20140416 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: VDEP Effective date: 20140416 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140816 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140716 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140717 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140716 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140818 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R026 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBI | Opposition filed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 |
|
26 | Opposition filed |
Opponent name: BIGBEN INTERACTIVE SA Effective date: 20150114 |
|
PLAX | Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R026 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20150114 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20141013 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PLAF | Information modified related to communication of a notice of opposition and request to file observations + time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCOBS2 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20141031 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20141031 |
|
PLBB | Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20141013 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20111013 Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PUAH | Patent maintained in amended form |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED |
|
27A | Patent maintained in amended form |
Effective date: 20180124 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R102 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: DC2A Ref document number: 2478967 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T5 Effective date: 20180328 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R082 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE Representative=s name: FLACH BAUER & PARTNER PATENTANWAELTE MBB, DE Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R082 Ref document number: 602011006119 Country of ref document: DE Representative=s name: FLACH BAUER STAHL PATENTANWAELTE PARTNERSCHAFT, DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140416 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230428 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20230913 Year of fee payment: 13 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20230831 Year of fee payment: 13 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230911 Year of fee payment: 13 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20231102 Year of fee payment: 13 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 13 |